WorldShards Founders' Gear: Exclusive NFTs for Early Access Players

Founders' Gear Is Back

Founders' Gear, a WorldShards game, is making a much-anticipated return. This exclusive collection will soon be available for a limited time, offering players the chance to own truly special items. To mark the occasion, the Dev Diaries are also returning, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the creation process. There’s plenty to unpack, from early experiments to the polished final products.

The journey started with ready-made assets. At first, the team purchased a collection of pre-made models to explore ideas and concepts. Using these, gray prototypes were created with basic textures. While functional, they lacked a sense of uniqueness. Experimenting with low-poly designs helped refine the vision, but something was still missing. Eventually, the switch to Physically Based Rendering (PBR) models brought a new level of detail and realism, setting the stage for something extraordinary.

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The creative process drew inspiration from some of the most visually stunning games. Titles like Darksiders, Battle Chasers, and Ruined King influenced the team, providing a vision of bold, dynamic designs that captivate players. Wayfinder was another significant influence, and the team credits Joe Madureira for his incredible art style. These sources of inspiration shaped Founders' Gear into a collection that stands out in both appearance and quality.

Creating Founders' Gear required a mix of powerful tools. Programs like Maya, Blender, ZBrush, Substance Painter, and Photoshop were essential at different stages of the process. Each tool played a role, from sculpting intricate models to painting textures. One of the standout techniques involved baking highlights directly from the geometry instead of traditional methods. This approach added depth and realism, ensuring every item looked visually striking.

The decision to adopt the PBR pipeline was a turning point. Concepts originally designed for low-poly models were upgraded to fit the new, more detailed style. This shift allowed for higher-quality textures and more realistic lighting effects. Vibrant and richer colors replaced the initial muted tones, especially for high-tier items. This gave Founders' Gear a premium look, making each rarity level distinct and visually appealing.

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The importance of feedback cannot be overstated. Senior artists and game designers provided valuable insights throughout the process. The first few models underwent detailed reviews to ensure they met artistic and technical standards. Game designers played a crucial role in adjusting dimensions and ensuring compatibility with gameplay mechanics. Each round of feedback led to improvements, refining the designs and ensuring they met player expectations.

The Uniqueness of Founders' Gear

What sets Founders' Gear apart is its exclusivity. These collectible items will be introduced as NFTs, limited in quantity and non-craftable. Available only to early buyers, they will not be restocked after the sale ends. Each item comes in different rarity levels—rare, epic, and legendary—offering players unique benefits.

In the future, as the web-3 economy integrates further, Founders' Gear will provide advantages in token farming and crypto rewards. While the items don’t have superior base stats compared to regular ones, they can be repaired and upgraded with in-game currency. This flexibility allows players to continue using Founders' Gear at higher levels, giving them an edge without requiring extensive crafting time.

Unlike craftable items, which require significant time and effort to reach rare or legendary status, Founders' Gear provides an immediate advantage. Players can equip these items right away and enjoy their benefits without the grind. This makes them an attractive option for collectors and competitive players alike.

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Founders' Gear is more than just a set of in-game items—it’s a rare opportunity to own something truly exclusive. With their unique designs, functionality, and future benefits, these items are perfect for anyone looking to stand out. The sale is your only chance to grab these collectibles, so mark your calendar and get ready to claim your Founders' Gear.